Website Wednesday: Winning Walkers

Walking route image submitted by a power walking reader, from Alameda CA.

Q: Why does EarnedRuns highlight races that provide separate registration for walkers, as well as awards?
A:  Many run/walks “welcome” walkers. Walker race registration fees are happily accepted and walkers can be timed with a chip. There is usually a time limit that indicates to walkers the maximum mile pace that would allow them to cross the finish line and be recognized by the sponsoring organization. The focus, however, is on runners. Awards are given to only those who finish the race with the fastest time, which in most instances, effectively excludes walkers from winning. Walkers are given a “tag along" status. This is not a problem for many walkers, and finding a walk “race” is not a problem for them. Those who wish to be eligible for awards must work harder to interpret race websites to find races that separate them from runners in some fashion (separate start times, courses, awards).  EarnedRuns thinks walkers who participate in truly competitive races will more fully enjoy their sport and be rewarded for their training, and so highlight true walk races on the WALKER RESOURCES page.